Jill Ellis directed the USWNT to world championships in 2015 and 2019. (Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports)

NEW YORK – The Topps Company has appointed former U.S. women’s national team head coach Jill Ellis to its board of directors, the company announced Wednesday.

Ellis, whose team won back-to-back Women’s World Cup titles, will be a guiding force as the company continues to scale its efforts in global soccer.

“As the winningest coach in United States soccer history, Jill has demonstrated a unique ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, inspire excellence and execute on lofty goals with no margin for error,” Michael D. Eisner, founder of the Tornante Company and owner and board member, The Topps Company, said in a statement. “Her skill set, experience and accomplishments in the global business of sport will be of immeasurable value for Topps.”

Added Topps chairman Andy Redman: “Jill is a globally-respected, proven leader whose significant experience, knowledge and connections will help us expand our international football portfolio We are proud to welcome this world champion to our team.”

Ellis joined Eisner and Redman, Jim Perry and Scott Pasquini (managing directors at Madison Dearborn Partners), Eric Eisner (chief executive officer, Double E Pictures), Maria Seferian (general counsel, Hillspire LLC) and Chris Zyda (founder and chief executive officer, Mozaic, LLC) as board members.

“Topps products are a source of passion, unlocking creativity for people around the world through a shared love of sport and entertainment,” Ellis said in a statement. “I am grateful to Topps for this opportunity and am excited to help the beloved company continue to win in global football and beyond.”

Ellis was USWNT head coach from 2014-19 as she became only second coach in soccer history to win consecutive world championships. Before joining U.S. Soccer fulltime in 2008, she was head soccer coach at UCLA for 12 years, leading the Bruins to eight national semifinals and six consecutive conference championships. She graduated from and played soccer at The College of William & Mary.

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.